WHEN PAIN BECOMES COMPASSION

All children deserve to be raised in peace.

 NEVER ENOUGH MAKES ME HURT

R.I.P. is a term that never gives me enough peace.
I've watched young people die violently.
I wonder,
"Did I do enough to prevent the violence?
I've watched young girls raise babies without fathers.
I wonder,
"Did I do enough to help guys respect the girls?"
I've watched kids quit school and sell drugs on the street.
I wonder,
"Did I try hard enough to teach them how to struggle and persevere?"
"Never Enough" is a hurt in my heart as I share the pain of young people trying to break the chains of generational violence and poverty. I know that God cares deeply and equally about every young person in Buffalo.
In the heaviness of this moment, I pray that at least one young person gets to know the peace of God today. I know that God is enough. He will make all things work together for good. When pain becomes compassion, more folks will rest in enough peace.

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"The leech has two daughters. 'Give! Give!' they cry. "There are three things that are never satisfied, four that never say, 'Enough!'
Proverbs 30:15

"All things are wearisome, more than one can say. The eye never has enough of seeing,
nor the ear its fill of hearing."
Ecclesiastes 1:8

"Sheol (the place of the dead) and Abaddon (the place of destruction) are never satisfied;
so [the lust of] the eyes of man is never satisfied."

Proverbs 27:20 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition
"And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation]."
2 Corinthians 9:8 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition

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Thanks for your time. Go and give some of your abundance to somebody. ‪
#‎JLYASDW‬
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
8:20 AM, MST
Phoenix, Arizona, USA

I NEVER MET ROSA PARKS BUT I MET ANNIE LEE COOPER

          Today is the 60th Anniversary of Rosa Parks refusal to give her seat to a white man. I never met her, but I did meet Annie Lee Cooper.

     For several years I traveled the country with many opportunities to speak to teenagers. One of my favorite places of working with kids was Selma, Alabama. I spent a week there and met a lady named Annie Lee Cooper. She was kind of famous for punching a Sheriff, but her story is much deeper than one confrontation with the law, if he really was the law.

         I held the microphone as Mrs. Cooper told her story. We were in the Selma HS gym without about 500 or so people, mostly teenagers. Mrs. Cooper was 93 yrs old then. She hobbled up to the front of the gym floor to address the kids in the bleachers and told her story. She remembers when she was 13 yrs. old and white men on horses chased her and a friend. The friend was trampled and killed. Mrs. Cooper could still hear her friends screams 80 yrs later.

          After the United States Government said that Black people could vote, Mrs. Cooper marched up the courthouse steps to vote and was met by the Sheriff who tried to stop her. She punched him in the face. The crowd roared when she said that. But you could see by the stoic expression in her face that what happened next wouldn't make anybody smile. A group of cops beat and kicked her, breaking many bones, ribs and her jaw as they pummeled her to the ground. They threw her in jail just the way she was. They wanted to charge her with attempted murder. To be a cop back then, all you had to do was be a white guy willing to beat a black person, there was no civil service test. I knelt in front of her the whole time, with one hand I held the microphone, with the other I wiped my tears.

          Mrs. Cooper was one of the greatest human beings I ever met. I spent time at her home and interviewed her in front of kids who soaked up her pain and wisdom. In the end, she said she would drink the cup of suffering all over again, she gave Christ the credit. The dark parts of Mrs. Cooper's life make up a bright spot for the rest of us to cry about and learn from.

JLYASDW

TOM BURGER & A JAIL CELL PHONE

     He's been locked up for close to six years now. Every year begins with some new hope. Every mid-year the hope seems to fade. There has been very few court dates and the process of justice (or injustice) moves slowly. Over the last six years, we have prayed on the phone many times. Jail cell phone calls are not cheap. For each thirty minutes of talk-time, the cost is twenty-five bucks. Most of the calls come at night; when I'm tired. I really don't feel like talking when I'm tired.

     Last night when the phone rang, I was intently focused on a book that I'm in the process of writing. I did not want to answer the phone. The area code showing on my phone was unfamiliar so I took a chance thinking it would be a quick call. I soon realized that it was another jail cell call. My funds on the pre-pay prison fund were depleted so I needed to make another deposit. That whole process of entering your credit information to a recorded message seems to take a long time. I followed through and we connected - me and the prisoner.

     Small talk is the rule during most of our conversations. Sometimes it's about basketball or baseball. Every once in a while the prisoner is moved to a new prison and we talk about the accommodations. Some places have amenities like a microwave, a pull-up bar and most importantly a Law Library. He tries to research the law and his case so he can be prepared for the court process. My advice to him that I've repeated many times is twofold:

1.  Be the kind of prisoner that the guards will feel sad when you leave because they respect you so much.
2. You will be locked up until you figure out what God wants you to learn from the experience. God opens and shuts doors that no man can open or shut.

     Two things can happen at the end of our call. If we don't keep track of the time (and we don't) the call can end without any notice whatsoever other than a click followed by silence. You would think that with such exorbitant rates that they could afford to give you a "heads-up." I feel bad when we are left without a proper goodbye or worse, we don't get to end our jail cell call with our customary prayer. Last night we got to pray and it was good - Oh so good!

     I took a page out of my good friend Tom Burger's notebook last night. Tom is a Prison Chaplain in North Carolina. When my wife and I visited Tom and his wife Sharon last year, we were honored to be able to visit the prison where he works (loves.) Tom doesn't work with people or work in a prison. He loves people and helps them know love in their hearts. Tom empowers people and helps them learn how to stand on their own relationship with God. The prison band is a true worship team, Tom helped put them together. When it came time to pray for people, it was fellow prisoners who prayed for fellow inmates. Tom empowered these guys to understand self-accountability - true discipleship.

     Last night Tom was my role model - I asked the prisoner to pray, I empowered him like Tom would. His prayer was beautiful and gut wrenching. Instead of this young man just listening to my words about God, he opened up his heart through his words. He spoke of gratitude and asked for covering for my wife and I. He thanked God for the hope and inspiration we provide by being there for him. Guys on the "inside" need a lifeline on the "outside" and a cell phone can be a line of hope.

     I don't know how many years this young man has left behind bars or how many jail cell calls we will have, but I know that Tom Burger has helped me to imprint Jesus on the young man's heart. Thank's Tom, Jesus loves you and so do we.

If you would like to learn a little more about what Tom Burger knows, read his book. http://www.amazon.com/Simple-Faith-Uncomplicated-Complicated-Life-ebook/dp/B00HZ3XXWM 

Thanks for your time. Go do something nice for somebody.

JLYASDW

Bob Kuebler is the Author of The Bright Spot Report.  As the Founder & Director of Youth With A Purpose, Bob has spent the last 12 yrs. learning about pain and perseverance from inner city young people and their families. Healing starts with love and encompasses compassion and empathy. Our mission at YWAP is to inspire inner city young people to develop as leaders who overcome the mindset of violence and poverty. Bob is the Author of four books and regularly shares with many audiences about how God is redeeming our cities through young people.
Bob can be reached at 716-830-8240 or ywapbuffalo@yahoo.com.
www.youthwithapurpose.org

Melissa Franke, Gaskill Prep & A Rubber Chicken

     The word spread quickly in the hallways of Gaskill Prep today in Niagara Falls. The students were sharing news about a speaker in Mrs. Franke's Health Class who tossed a rubber chicken.at sleeping students. Actually nobody was sleeping in Mrs. Franke's Class. In a phenomenal display of respect, all 5 classes were among the best audiences that this speaker has ever had.

 

This was the only student who I had trouble communicating with.

   
The rubber chicken is simply an attention getting tool for laughter. I didn't need to try and get anyone's attention, these students were busy getting my attention with excellent class participation. Several times it was the students who were teaching the class. We covered drugs, alcohol, gangs, abstinence, risk, self-control, earthquakes in Nepal and riots in Baltimore. We discussed cause and effect. We explored the idea of embracing conflict as a means of personal growth. I was amazed, these 7th Graders were more like college students.

     The atmosphere at Gaskill is a very good one that's conducive to academic achievement and character growth. Melissa Franke is an excellent Teacher who helps her students do their best by helping them set their own expectations. They respect her and the people she brings into her class. When I reflect back on my day spent in her classroom, here are the words that come to mind: cordial, polite, respectful, kind, self-control, willing to learn, eager to participate, helpful, encouraging, intelligent, compassionate, empathetic, eager and happy. 

Thank you, Mrs. Franke, for all you do on behalf of children. What happens in your classroom is making the world a better place.

The photos here were taken by students who shared the camera. 
Thanks guys for your nice work.


If you are interested in bringing YWAP and the rubber chicken to your school, 
please let us know.
ywapbuffalo@yahoo.com
716-830-8240
www.youthwithapurpose.org
JLYASDW 

WEST SIDE NEIGHBORS GET TOUGH ON JOHNS

     Winter's icy grip on Buffalo is finally giving way to a softening of the ground. New life is pushing up through the earth. All of Mother Nature's renewed vigor is contagious on the West Side of Buffalo. Neighbors springing into action. They are banding together to turn a blight spot into a Bright Spot.

  Johns are people who pay for sex. People who sell their bodies for sex are prostitutes. The neighbors are posting signs letting johns know that if you bring your luridness in our neighborhoods, you're being watched and we will call the Police. I applaud their efforts and I urge you to help in any way you can.

     As a youth director on the West Side for over 12 years, I've seen many wounded people who will do anything for drugs, money or even a place to sleep. Statistics show that 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 5 boys are physically abused. I've watched many people continue the cycle of abuse that was perpetrated upon them. They feel dirty about themselves and gravitate more dirt because they think they deserve it. Victims become victimizers and promulgate the victimization. Some guys pimp their girls just to make some money. Some girls support their families by selling their bodies. I have prayer walked the city and I will continue to do so. There's no proselytization involved - just simple love. When I get the opportunity to look in someone's eyes who is shackled by street life, there is one message I hope to convey;

"You are uniquely beautiful and loved just the way you are. God made you in his image and you are special in his eyes."

     The Bible speaks about action. James 2:25-26 says;

"Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works
when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?
For as the body without the spirit is dead,
so faith without works is dead also."

Rahab was a prostitute who supported her family by selling her body. She received messengers who prayed. She was delivered from a life of prostitution. My faith tells me what my works should be. A neighborhood is made up of many parts working together. My works are prayers that bring a message of love. I hurt for folks who sell themselves. I hurt for folks who live a street life. I hurt for anybody who does not value and esteem the preciousness of each human being.

Every year we lead kids in neighborly projects. We pray, work and show love to folks we never met and may never see again. Good things are happening on the West Side of Buffalo, New York.

     I applaud the neighbors on the West Side of Buffalo for taking action. I urge you to support them. Post a sign if you can. Report any suspicious activity to the Police. Tell a prostitute that God loves them. Say a prayer. I will support them by prayer walking Grant St. I will support them by looking for Jesus in the eyes of everyone I meet. Imagine the West Side as a place where the abused were healed by the love of God through us. The johns wouldn't have any bodies to abuse. Just maybe they would begin to understand what love really is. Somewhere they learned how to be dirty. 

Thanks for your time. Go do something nice for somebody.

Jesus loves you and so do we. #JLYASDW

A MAN AT A WOMEN'S CONFERENCE

     Free chocolate is always a good reason to attend a conference. But how would a guy get the chocolate if it was available only to attendees of a Women's Conference? Actually, I had no idea that the Relentless Women's Conference in Buffalo would net me two pieces of chocolate. I'm a guy and I couldn't register for the Conference and receive any chocolate. Guys don't receive benefits from a Women's Conference or do they?

    Soon after we were married, my wife proved how much she loves me by moving to Buffalo, N.Y. from Phoenix, Az. The month of February separates the two cities by almost eighty degrees (Fahrenheit.) After Linda arrived in balmy Buffalo, there were several ministries I suggested to my wife that would assure her continued growth as a spiritual juggernaut (she would never use that term, but I can.) Just Joy Ministries under the leadership of Carol McLeod was at the top of the list. Carol has a way of being highly impactful to a large group while making each person feel like she has their heart in her hands. My wife is like that and I knew Carol's ministry would find a place in her heart. Linda was the Leader of a Prophetic Prayer Team at Without Walls Christain Center in Az. In Buffalo, she's a member of the Buffalo Niagara Healing Rooms. Linda wanted to attend the Conference. I think God answered her thoughts. A very kind friend reached into Linda's heart and deposited a ticket for the Conference. I signed up to be a volunteer "valet-dude." (I was unaware of the free chocolate but I did get free coffee.)


     My wife has been suffering from a sprain her back for almost ten months. After several mountain trips and city mission trips with kids last year, Linda's back gave out. We made plans to attend the Conference on Friday night. We agreed that I would be ready to take her home if the pain became overwhelming. I spent the first hour outside with some other guys as we welcomed the ladies to the Relentless Conference. It was a blast, I smiled at all the kind ladies and said: "It's good to see ya!" A few of the guys parked cars and some of us just held the doors open. After about an hour we moved inside; that's when the "man-benefits" began.

     The worship was cool, deep and moving. The first speakers we heard were a couple of ladies who did a phenomenal job of introducing the Conference. I believe their names were Monica and Angel. They made us laugh as they poured vital information into our ears. They had a natural gift of love flowing between them which they shared with the audience. Carol introduced a speaker who knocked our socks off. She was a cancer survivor who told a story about her son with a bullet lodged in his forehead after being shot through his windshield. The bullet penetrated the skin and stopped. I think they put a band-aid over the wound. Survival is a heart condition that runs in her family.

     Carol McLeod is kind of like a meteorite of encouragement cascading from the heavens. She knows perseverance like it's a personal friend. Overcomer, friend, wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, Christ follower - she is a whole cloud of witnesses all rolled into one heart. My benefits received included truth, worship, prayer, a deeper friendship with some guys, encouragement through Christ and some chocolate.

     On Saturday morning, I woke up to a piece of chocolate on my nightstand. Linda went to the Conference all day Saturday while I attended a Prayer Walk For Life in Buffalo. My wife spent the day giving and receiving love in mass quantities. She also shared her chocolate! The second piece of chocolate was given to me on Sunday after church. I have a joy in fasting before any church service I attend so my wife packs me a small lunch to eat after church. The special atmosphere created during the Conference continued on Sunday morning. When Pastor Craig McLeod was beginning his sermon, his words somehow became a prayer in my heart for my wife. He spoke and his words seemed to reverberate in my heart as a prayer. I did plead the Blood of Jesus over my wife and especially her back. I watched, listened and prayed even as other folks around me prayed. I know there was a prayer team active during the whole Women's Conference. Prayer is changing Buffalo (along with some chocolate!) I hope there's another Just Joy Ministries Women's Conference soon.

Thanks for your time. Go do something nice for somebody.
Jesus loves you and so do we. #JLYASDW

Pastor Fred Naedele is Still Saving Lives From Heaven

      As a Youth Director for many years, my heart easily breaks for wounded kids. I reached into my desk drawer earlier today, the Holy Cards (from funerals) of several deceased kids caught my eye. I hate it when kids die - on both sides of the womb. Pastor Fred Naedele and I had that in common - we love kids on both sides of the womb.


           On Saturday, April 25, 2015, I will be prayer walking the streets of Buffalo. There's an 8 am Mass at St. Rose of Lima, 500 Parker Avenue in Buffalo. Following the Service, there's a Prayer Walk to an abortion chamber at 2500 Main St. for anybody who's interested. Pastor Fred had a heart for children who were victims of abortion. Sometimes his prayer walking lead him to a jail cell. He demonstrated commitment in the most persevering manner. Fred was all about saving lives and making disciples. We've been trying to follow in his footsteps at Youth With A Purpose for the last 12 years. My prayer walk for children on both sides of the womb will follow in Fred's footsteps.

          Another young man who was like a son to me would have had a birthday on the day of the prayer walk. DeMario (Spizzy) McCain would have been 24 years old on April 25, 2015. He died because somebody decided to shoot him. Children die in many ways and it's always a tragedy. I miss Spizzy and I miss Fred. I'm walking in prayer, crying out to God on behalf of kids and folks like Fred who cried out before me. Fred taught me how to cry.

      On Friday, April 24, Pastor Fred would have been 83 years old. One of my favorite past times is associating numbers with Bible verses. 

Psalm 83:1-5 A song. A Psalm of Asaph.
1 Keep not silence, O God; hold not Your peace or be still, O God.
2 For, behold, Your enemies are in tumult, and those who hate You have raised their heads.
3 They lay crafty schemes against Your people and consult together against Your hidden and precious ones.
4 They have said, Come, and let us wipe them out as a nation; let the name of Israel be in remembrance no more.
5 For they have consulted together with one accord and one heart; against You they make a covenant"

Psalm 119:83 "I am shriveled like a wineskin in the smoke, exhausted with waiting. But still I cling to your laws and obey them."

Song of Solomon 8:3  (To the Daughters of Jerusalem)

"His left hand is under my head, And his right hand embraces me."

Daniel 8:3 "Then I lifted my eyes and saw, and there, standing beside the river, was a ram which had two horns, and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other, and the higher one came up last."

Matthew 8:3 "Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed."

Acts 8:3 "As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, 

and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison."

Romans 8:3 "For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, 

on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh,"

Here's one for DeMario who would have been 24 years old.

Psalm 24 

The King of Glory and His Kingdom
A Psalm of David.

The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness,
The world and those who dwell therein.
2 For He has founded it upon the seas,
And established it upon the waters.
3 Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord?
Or who may stand in His holy place?

4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol,
Nor sworn deceitfully.
5 He shall receive blessing from the Lord,
And righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 This is Jacob, the generation of those who seek Him,
Who seek Your face. Selah

7 Lift up your heads, O you gates!
And be lifted up, you everlasting doors!
And the King of glory shall come in.
8 Who is this King of glory?
The Lord strong and mighty,
The Lord mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O you gates!
Lift up, you everlasting doors!
And the King of glory shall come in.
10 Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts,
He is the King of glory. Selah

Thank's God for Fred's life and thank's for DeMario's life.

Jesus loves you and so do we.

#JLYASDW

If you'd like to read a great article about Pastor Fred, check out what Rob Palaszewski wrote in Thrive Magazine,

http://www.bluetoad.com/article/THE+MEASURE+OF+THE+MAN/143521/0/article.html